The neglect of graves in Kano

The story of graves being threatened by erosion in some burial grounds in Kano is one of the unpleasant news one would hate to hear. A recent media publication reports that about 300 graves have been exposed by erosion at the Albishir graveyard in Tudun Murtala quarters, Nasarawa local government area of Kano state. According to the story, the pots that were used to cover the graves have completely been exposed. Residents of the area have reportedly been battling through communal efforts to tackle the challenges posed by erosion to the cemetery in order to safeguard the graves from collapse. 

According to an inhabitant of the area who spoke to reporters, government has reneged on its promise of paying a monthly stipend of N5, 000 to the few elderly persons who have been taking care of the burial ground for many years; adding that the cemetery would have failed by now if it were not for the services of these elderly persons. It was reported that these cemetery workers have not been paid the monthly stipend that had been reduced to N3, 000 for the past 18 months. While working tools are occasionally provided by individuals, workers at this burial ground survive on the token amount of money bequeathed by well-wishers because the stipend pledged by government has not been forthcoming. 

It would be recalled that in August 2013, many corpses were exhumed as a result of flooding that overran a graveyard in the same Kano metropolis. That incident and the recent report both point to the obvious fact that government has over the years failed in its responsibility of properly safeguarding cemeteries. The fourth schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mentions the main functions of local governments in the country to include the establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds and homes of destitute and the infirm. A burial ground, as believed by Muslims and Christians, is home to every human. Why then should we, as future residents of this classless neighbourhood, neglect it? Could it be sheer carelessness or unusual callousness?

Aside of graves coming under the threat of erosion, it is typical in many parts of the country to find burial grounds overgrown with bushes. Some burial grounds, too, have no perimeter fencing to protect the graves from attack by stray animals or even wild beasts especially where burial sites are situated in the outskirts of towns or cities. All these depict our lack of respect for the dead. Indeed, if we were to be judged, as a government or as a people, by the way we treat the dead in many Nigerian communities; we are not likely to be pronounced decent or righteous. 

The practice, in Islam, of burying the dead after shrouding is basically founded on the principle of respect for the dead. But sadly, our collective attitude of allowing ourselves to be witnesses to neglected graves and burial grounds negates this principle. As mortals who will, sooner or later, take our own places at the inescapable air-tight compartment called grave; we have a duty to show due respect to the dead so that those who survive us would be kindhearted to us in death.

When the token remunerations due to those who work in burial grounds are unpaid, the unfortunate routine of owing workers and pensioners their salaries and entitlements would seem to have indirectly been extended to the dead; subhana-llahi! Based on constitutional provisions, local governments have the responsibility of protecting graves and burial grounds. I know of some local governments in Nigeria, which in furtherance of their respect for the dead, do not only employ night watchmen and labourers but also went further to provide solar-powered security halogen lamps as well as bore-holes at all the major burial grounds. This is the much we expect every local government to do in honour of the dead.

The provision of security lights and night watchmen at burial grounds will dissuade ritualists from removing human parts or corpses from their graves. Perimeter fencing of the burial site and a gate at the entrance would equally check stray and other wild animals from tress-passing in to the burial ground. When the harmatan season sets in and the grasses are dry, the labourers would clear the overgrown bushes to avert strange fire from encroaching in to the burial ground.One would be glad to hear an aspirant seeking election in to the office of local government chairman pledging to prioritise the provision of these facilities and services at burial grounds. Many Nigerian politicians will be afraid to deploy this sort of campaign strategy out of the fear of losing in the election. In their classic political calculations, “only the votes of the living count” because the dead do not vote. 

Kano state and other states in the country that have similar challenges could intervene with ecological funds to tackle the threats posed by erosion at burial grounds. As individuals and groups, we could equally contribute in cash or kind to the efforts made at fortifying burial grounds. We would have shown concern for the dead if we save part of the funds we intend to spend on tiling the floors and walls of our rooms and toilets for the provision of essential services at burial grounds. 

Let us also remember to make some provisions for the maintenance burial grounds each time we have cause and resources to give our houses or rooms a facelift. As we sincerely do this, Allah (SWT) shall hopefully inspire those who survive us to also care for us when we have taken our places in burial grounds. The concern shown to the dead is a concern shown to oneself and indeed humanity. May Allah (SWT) guide us to adequately protect graves and burial grounds from any form of threat, amin.